No contest on the cards as Galway start title defence

By David Connors

THE Galway minor hurlers begin their defence of their All-Ireland title on Saturday against Antrim in Breffni Park, Cavan (3pm).

Given that Galway still hasn’t been integrated into the Leinster at underage grades, it sees this young Tribesmen come into the fray completely untested in any form of competitive fixture.

Galway minor manager Jeffrey Lynskey is clearly frustrated with the lack of cutthroat championship fixtures because it leaves no room for error. One defeat and Galway’s season is over which leaves them with no safety net for a side brimming with talent.

“Look it, it’s difficult for us with most teams playing three, four, if not five competitive games. We are coming in completely cold and if we are off on the day we will be found out. It’s important for us to be focused and ready for Antrim.”

While many might argue it allows Galway an easier passage to a potential All-Ireland final, one has to question the potential drawbacks in terms of development for these young players. For players of a young age, nothing is better in improving than actual competitive fixtures and no amount of training or challenge matches can replicate it.

Development is something which is clearly important to Lynskey. Speaking during the week, the Liam Mellows clubman was quick to highlight the importance of player development.

“Our process is the development side of it. We are looking for the lads to get the best out of themselves. So for us to get the best out of ourselves we need the right environment. At minor it’s all about development.”

In sport actions speak louder than words and it’s clear Lynskey is willing to back up his statements. He has his sights on a more long-term plan since he took over the side last year. For example, nine of last year’s team that finished the All-Ireland Final are available for selection this year.

In the defence Jack Fitzpatrick (Killimordaly) is the captain for the year and expected to take up the full-back role. Cianan Fahy (Ardrahan) and last year’s centre-half back Ian O’ Brien (Clarinbridge) are two other survivors from last year. Jack Coyne (Castlegar) is the vice-captain and is likely to feature in the middle of the field again.

The attack should consist of Clarinbridge sharpshooter Evan Niland alongside his clubmate Cian Salmon who scored the crucial injury-time goal in the All-Ireland semi-final victory against Kilkenny. They are very most likely to be ably assisted by Ardrahan’s Liam Forde, Michael Lynch (Kilnadeema-Leitrim) and Kevin Cooney (Sarsfields).

Lynskey added his biggest challenge is integrating this experience with the new batch of players coming through. “We have a good blend of the experience then from those lads with the 17 year olds and we will be trying to pick the best possible team on the day from that bunch of players.”

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.